After over a year of cruising on pause, the Alaskan communities that depend heavily on this tourism must be rejoicing that cruising is coming back to Alaska!
Royal Caribbean will be doing 7 night round trip Alaska cruises departing from Seattle on the Serenade of the Seas. They will begin sailing July 19 and August 13.
Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean’s senior vice president said: “Few words can express just how excited we are to start delivering memorable vacations in the U.S. once again, starting with a destination as rich in culture and natural beauty as Alaska
In mid-May, ASTA, which is the American Society of Travel Advisors, was represented in Washington to support the Alaska Recovery Bill. President & CEO of ASTA Zane Kirby said “Many were unaware of the grave damage another lost cruise season would inflict on our travel-reliant small businesses. Thursday, the U.S. House voted for the bill’s passage. Plain and simple, our voice was heard. A heartfelt thank you to all who participated at ASTA’s Legislative Day. The cruise industry—with Royal Caribbean in particular—had an arm-in-arm approach with ASTA on Wednesday evidenced by their enduring partnership with small business travel advisors. We urge President Biden to sign the Alaska Recovery Bill into law to facilitate the safe and swift resumption of Alaska cruising.”
The Serenade’s itinerary features ports like Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Straight Point, Juneau, Endicott Arm fjord & Dawes Glacier and starts sailing in July. Ovation begins in August and is visiting some different spots, such as Glacier National Park, Alaska’s Inside Passage, Skagway, and Juneau, taking advantage of fjords with wildlife with the natural wonders of the region
As far as COVID-19 concerns, all crew & passengers 16+ will be fully vaccinated, but after August 1, that includes passengers 12+ as well. Under the ages noted will have a test before sailing as part of the cruise line’s Royal Promise commitment to the health and safety of every guest, crew member and community visited. The measures will be evaluated and updated as public health circumstances evolve.